Teens
TEEN EDUCATION & CREATION HUB
The TECH Lab - A space for teens to come in, hang out and use 21st century technology to create exciting projects in the areas of science, technology, engineering, art and math. THE TECH LAB IS CURRENTLY CLOSED. DUE TO PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY CONCERNS, IT WILL REMAIN CLOSED FOR THE TIME BEING EVEN AS THE LIBRARY REOPENS. PLEASE CHECK THIS PAGE FOR UP TO DATE INFORMATION ON WHEN THE TECH LAB WILL BE OPEN AGAIN. WE APOLOGIZE, AND HOPE TO SEE YOU SOON!
Summer Reading
May 11- July 25
Summer Reading is now over, and the prize raffle has been drawn. If you have won a prize you can check your account and you should have received a notification. Feel free to email Cody in the TECH Lab at allenc@billignsmt.gov to check, or if you have any questions. Prizes may be picked up via the library's curbside pickup service, M-F 11 AM-5 PM.
Teen Events
We have a lot of things going on at the library, so here's a quick list of all of our upcoming events. Scroll down the page to find more info on the program you're interested in, or call us at 696-8538.
- TECH Lab Artist in Residence
- Featured Program: Video Production Series
- 1,000 Cranes of Hope
- Teen Take Away Kits
- Online Book Group
- Remote D&D
- Teen Advisory Group
- Teen Book Group
Test Prep E-Books
Getting ready to take the SAT or GRE? Just need some extra help with geometry? Want to be a firefighter or police officer? Then check out the library's new collection of digital reference books for test prep and study help! All of the titles are free to access and download. All you need is a library card! See our selection, and get studying.
TECH Lab Artist in Residence
Fall 2020 Artist in Residence
Megan Stacey
Megan Stacey is a director, performer, and media artist from Lake George, NY. She is a graduate of both the New Media and Theatre and Performance departments at Purchase College. She specializes in devised, immersive, and transmedia performance. She is a professional musician, coordinator, educator, and all-around conduit of fun. Her practice involves creating live and digital events that are filled with joy, and allow artists the space, resources, and honor to make their best work. Her work centers on creating communities for beautiful things to happen. Her work often plays with humor and horror, which are one and the same. Her work is interested in fun, and how serious it can be. When she's not fighting the good fight, you can find her playing video games, reading and sewing, or cooking large vats of soup for friends (no matter how hot it is outside).
Interested in being the TECH Lab's next Artist in Residence? Have some interesting skills you want to share? Or maybe just interested in working with teens, and making some extra money for it? Contact Cody at 696-8538 or e-mail him at allenc@billingsmt.gov
Featured Program
Video Production Series
Sept. 15- Oct. 2
All Online
September will feature a 3 week course with our TECH Lab Artist in Residence, Megan Stacey. Explore the history of video production and learn new techniques for filming, editing, and adapting a story into your own original work. This is the perfect series for future Hollywood directors, adventurous photographers, writers, visual artists, performers, techies, nerds, and geeks alike! No previous experience necessary.
All meetings will occur virtually from 5:30-7 pm Mountain Time. Workshop sessions will be held on the following dates: Sept. 15, 16, 17, 22, & 29. Open Virtual Office Hours will be available on the following dates: Sept. 23, 24, 30, & Oct. 1. A video screening Zoom Party will be held on Oct. 2! Email allenc@billingsmt.gov to sign up now or to learn more. Technology devices may be available to check out based on need, workshop requirements, and availability.
Upcoming Programs
1,000 Cranes of Hope
An Ongoing Project
Drop-off at TECH Lab
Teen Take Away Kits
Available at Curbside Pickup
While Supplies Last
The TECH Lab is offering a new program that allows teens to take a bit of the lab home with them! Teen Take-Away Kits are free STEAM-based activities that can be done at home and are yours to keep! Items are provided, along with instructions, for a simple activity. Complete your kit and use #2020TECHLabTeens when posting photos online.
Teen Take-Away Kits are available to pick up from the Billings Public Library’s curbside service starting Wednesday, May 27. Just ask for them when you arrive! One kit each per teen.
Participating in Summer Reading? Teen Take-Away Kits can earn you extra points!
Current Available Teen Take-Away Kits:
- Post Cards: Design and decorate your own post card, then write a message and mail it to someone! Kit includes stamps.
- String Art: Use cardboard, string, and push pins to create your own work of art!
- Snow Globes: Make your own superhero action scene inside of a snow globe!
- Origami- Learn how to fold three different origami animals, and then help us create a 1,000 paper crane art project at the library!
- Magic: The Gathering: Get a starter deck and some extra cards, and learn how to play one of the best collectible card games around!
Teen Take Away Kits available from the Bookmobile!
We have two take away kits that can be picked up from the Bookmobile! Right now we have Coding with Beads and Origami. Just stop by the Bookmobile at any of its stops and ask for one!
Contact Cody at allenc@billingsmt.gov with any questions or if you need multiple kits.
Teen Online Book Group
September
Time/Day TBD by group
The library has an all digital teen book group! We are using Freading, a free digital service from the library for digital books. Email Cody in the TECH Lab at allenc@billingsmt.gov for more info or to sign-up. We will post updates for the group and what we are reading to the teen page on the library website, so be sure to keep an eye out!
Remote Dungeons and Dragons
Starting in May
Day and Time determined by group
Just because the library is currently closed doesn’t mean that we can’t keep having some grand tabletop adventures! The TECH Lab is looking to start a remote weekly session of Dungeons and Dragons, so interested teens can contact Cody by email at allenc@billingsmt.gov for more info. Once we have enough interested teens we will figure out a day and time that works for everyone, as well as the best way for everyone to meet remotely to play. No experience is required, we’re just looking for some hearty adventurers to play from the comfort of their own homes!
Teen Advisory Group
Teens who are 13 to 19 years of age can apply to be part of our Teen Advisory Group - the TAG. The TAG advises the library about programs for teens, helps promote services, and volunteers at the library.
Volunteering at the Library
Are you looking for ways to spend your free time? The TECH Lab is looking for 16-18 year old teenagers to help lead and mentor younger teens in the lab during open hours. Volunteers need to be interested in technology, willing to teach and learn alongside other teens, and be in the lab for a minimum of 4 hours per week. This is a great opportunity to gain valuable leadership experience, or just give back to your community! For more information, contact Cody in the TECH Lab. Submit an online application..
Looking for a good book?
Check out these great reads.
Suggest A Title
Is there a teen title you would like to see in the Library's collection? Submit your suggestion online.
Local Teen Interviews Architect of Billings Public Library
Katelyn Bauer interviewed Will Bruder, the architect for the new Billings Public Library building,
and used the TECH Lab equipment to edit the video together. Way to go Katelyn!